Mama Mercedes and Chicha de Jora

Cusco, Peru

Gastronomy

1 to 2 hours

Spanish, English

Year-round. Any day of the week.

 

Chicha de Jora, a traditional fermented corn beverage, is an ancestral beverage with more than 500 years of history. Considered the nectar of the Incas, it was drunk at important celebrations like the ‚Inti Raymi‘ (Sun Festival) or used during payments to the earth, Pachamama. Its legacy continues to this day in South and Central America.

Nestled within the enchanting Sacred Valley of the Incas in Cusco, Peru, you will find a hidden gem – one of the last authentic houses of Chicha or Aj’ahuasi (in Quechua). Here, Mamá Mercedes, a guardian of tradition, carries forward the ancestral art of crafting Chicha, a skill she learned at the age of 12. Time seems to stand still once you step into her traditional kitchen. It is a kitchen decorated with the cherished tools of her ancestors, where the magic of Chicha comes alive. Mamá Mercedes welcomes visitors to embark on a journey of discovery into the world of Chicha. It is a remarkable experience that bridges generations, connecting the past with the present and inviting all to participate in the timeless tradition of Chicha.

An Inca Elixir with 500 years of history

Get in contact

deldescanso@hotmail.com

El Descanso del Valle Sagrado de los Inkas